For the 17th consecutive year, operators named ESPN the no. 1 network with the most average perceived value among all networks measured in Beta Research Corp’s annual Cable Operator Evaluation Study. ESPN was also ranked the no. 1 most important network in their cable systems for the 13th straight year – and 16 of the past 17 years – with 97 percent of operators describing the network as “very important” for subscriber retention and acquisition. Other findings among operators include:

ESPN2 ranked second in average perceived value for the 12th consecutive year and third in importance.

Disney Channel ranked second in importance of network, and fifth in perceived value.

Among unaided mentions, operators voted Disney and ESPN Media Networks as the no. 1 organization in overall marketing support. Both the network and group were also voted most helpful in driving TV Everywhere, VOD and HD efforts and most creative in providing new online content delivery options.

Further, in the Beta Local Ad Sales Executive study – also released today – ESPN ranked no. 1 among unaided mentions for the 13th straight year as the network with the most valuable programming to help create local ad sales revenue among major networks. Additionally, Disney and ESPN Media Networks ranked no. 1 in the study for the following

Most appealing demographics (13th straight year).

Percent of local ad sales executives who visit the network group’s affiliate site (ninth consecutive year).

Percent of site visitors rating the site very good or excellent (third consecutive year).

Providing original research (statistically tied for first, third consecutive year).

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